Understanding Islamic Harmony in Indonesia: Tracing the Relations of Religion, Power and Tradition in the Moluccas

Abstract

In the region of Maluku during the 17th-19th century, Islamic kingdoms emerged as robust centers of Islamic influence. The convergence of Islamic and local cultures presents an opportunity to explore the relationship between Islam and indigenous customs as part of the evolving traditions within the local community. This research reveals that the positions of local governance contribute significantly to the dynamic interplay between religion and customs within the local society. Through observation of ritual practices, in-depth interviews, and the use of supportive research instruments, this study demonstrates that the relationship between Islam, tradition, and traditional governance constitutes a process of institutionalizing the role of Islam as part of the heritage of ancestral values. This realization creates a harmonious coexistence of Islam, customs, and authority in the socio-cultural fabric of the society. To this day, the preservation of ancestral cultural values serves as a link that integrates Islam, traditions, and traditional governance as a cohesive system and a social-cultural construct within the community.